Warrington sits at the convergence of three major motorway routes, and many hires from the local depot involve at least some motorway driving. Whether you are heading north on the M6, east on the M62 or south on the M56, knowing how to handle a hired van confidently on the motorway makes for a safer and less stressful journey. Van hire in Warrington gives you access to well-maintained modern vehicles, and pairing that with some straightforward motorway driving awareness means you can cover long distances comfortably and safely.
How a Van Handles Differently to a Car on the Motorway
The most significant differences between driving a van and driving a car become more noticeable at motorway speeds. A loaded van sits differently on the road than a car, with the cargo weight affecting both the handling and the braking distance. Braking distances are longer in a loaded van than in a car at equivalent speeds, which means maintaining a greater following distance is not just good practice but a genuine safety requirement. The van’s higher centre of gravity also makes it more susceptible to crosswinds, which are a regular feature on exposed stretches of the M62 in particular. Being aware of this and adjusting your steering inputs accordingly is something that becomes second nature quickly but is worth being conscious of on your first motorway journey in a hired vehicle.
Speed Limits for Vans on Motorways
Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are subject to lower speed limits than cars, but standard 3.5-tonne vans are permitted to travel at the same 70mph motorway limit as private cars. This is a common area of confusion for first-time van drivers who assume a lower limit applies. The blog post on Warrington van hire speed limits covers this clearly and is worth bookmarking before any longer journey.
The M6 – North and South from Warrington
The M6 junction at Warrington provides fast access both north towards Preston, the Lake District and Scotland, and south towards Birmingham and beyond. This makes it the most commonly used motorway for longer distance hires from the Warrington depot. European cover is available on request for hires that extend beyond the UK, and the European van hire cover page has full details for anyone planning a cross-channel journey.
The M62 – East Towards Manchester and Leeds
The M62 connects Warrington eastward towards Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds, and westward towards Liverpool. It is a frequently exposed motorway, particularly over the Pennine stretches, and wind can be a significant factor on the higher sections. Giving the van more room to breathe laterally in gusty conditions, reducing speed slightly in strong crosswinds and keeping two hands on the wheel are all sensible habits on this route. Drivers moving between Leigh van hire areas and east of Manchester use the M62 regularly and generally find the motorway sections straightforward in good conditions.
The M56 – South Towards Cheshire and the North West
The M56 runs south from the Warrington area towards Northwich, Knutsford and the wider Cheshire countryside, eventually linking with the M53 for the Wirral and the M6 south. For hires involving collections or deliveries in rural Cheshire, the M56 and its connecting A-roads are the main arteries. Drivers heading to Frodsham van hire territory or Northwich van hire areas will find the M56 the most direct and efficient route from the Warrington depot.
Preparing for a Longer Journey
Before setting out on any motorway journey in a hired van, check the tyre pressures and fuel level, ensure the load is correctly secured and weight is distributed evenly, and adjust the mirrors fully to compensate for the van’s wider profile. If you are new to driving larger vehicles, the guide on how to drive a hire van safely provides a comprehensive practical overview. The team at Warrington Van Hire is also happy to answer any questions before you set off. Call 01925 396 222 or visit the contact us page for assistance.
